3500 Passenger Van

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Review

2004
GMC
Savana Review

Lots of features and an impressive powertrain boost it over the competition.

Reviewed by Automotive on
6/2/2004

Overview

The 2004 GMC Savana serves as a full-size passenger van with lots of dependable features. Available since the 1990s as the Savana, this van has technically been around for a lot longer. There haven’t been many changes made to the design or styling of the van. GMC seems to have a ""don’t fix it if it ain’t broke"" school of thought. This family of vans doesn’t offer the most luxurious cabin, but it does include the basics.

The Range

What's New

The only noteworthy change for 2004 comes in the middle of the season. GMC makes the StabiliTrak stability control system standard for all of the Savana 15-passenger models.

Exterior

The 2004 GMC Savana van provides an attractive vehicle with lots of character. It comes in different passenger configurations, varying the body style a bit from option to option. The Savana comes equipped to hold up to 15 passengers in the largest body style. The front end looks much like the GMC truck. It has distinctive, squared styling and the corporate badge placed in the center of the grille. The rest of the van body looks boxy with clean lines down the sides. The Savana also has side doors on both sides for easy passenger access. Rear entry comes through barn-styled doors in the back.

Interior

Vans transport a lot of people. With that in mind GMC provides as much comfort and convenience in the cabin of the 2004 Savana as possible. In the 1500 edition, the Savana features vinyl covered front bucket seats and rear ventilation ducts for comfortable riding. The 2004 GMC Savana also has storage thanks to the center console and front door pockets. Cup holders prove convenient as well. Air-conditioning and a four-speaker stereo come standard.

Overall, GMC keeps the interior design standard across the board for its lineup of full-size vans. While the Savana seems comfortable enough, it doesn’t offer the luxury found in some of the higher-end vans. Naturally, the difference in features adds up to a lower cost for the GMC.

Performance & Handling

The 2004 GMC Savana van provides a well-equipped, full-size passenger van. It hasn’t experienced a major design since 1996 though different changes to the powertrain appear along the way. In the 2003 model year, different sizes of V-8 engines became available. From the Savana, drivers can expect competent performance and handling. With its large size, the Savana doesn’t offer the most refined ride available, but it proves dependable.

Safety

Safety features mark a concern for any drier who transports a large number of people at one time. The 2004 GMC Savana comes equipped with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, child seat anchors, and airbags. In the front of the van, the passenger-side airbag comes equipped with an occupant-sensing device that disables the airbag in the absence of a passenger. The front seats also come equipped with pretensioning seat belts, and the rear center seats have three-point seat belts as well. Front integrated headrests improve safety. On the 3500 edition, traction and stability control systems remain available.

EPA Fuel Economy

GMC Savana 5.3-liter V-8: 13/18 mpg city/highway

You'll Like

Dual passenger doors

Impressive powertrains

Optional all-wheel drive

An option of passenger configurations and wheelbases

You Won't Like

Too much plastic in the cabin

Awkward handling despite recent improvements

Sum Up

Lots of features and an impressive powertrain boost it over the competition.